Can Scaling and Root Planing Reverse Your Gingivitis?

While routine dental cleanings are usually enough to control the accumulation of plaque and tartar on your teeth, the procedure only works for the visible parts of your teeth. When oral bacteria work their way underneath your gums, the only way to clean them off of your teeth roots is with scaling and root planing. Also known as periodontal (or deep) cleaning, the procedure helps patients in Oxnard protect the long-term health of their smiles from the potential destruction of gum disease.

What does it involve?
The process of scaling your teeth roots involves carefully cleaning away the plaque and tartar that have accumulated on them. This requires your dentist to expose your teeth roots by carefully maneuvering areas of your gum tissues. To minimize discomfort, the procedure is often divided into four different visits, with your dentist accomplishing a single quadrant of your smile at a time.

What if you can’t reverse it?
If performed as soon as possible, scaling and root planing can sometimes reverse gingivitis, preventing it from progressing into more serious gum disease. However, in many cases, gum disease has already settled enough to make reversing it impossible. Nevertheless, scaling and root planing can remove the accumulation of bacteria to stop it from growing worse and allow your gum tissues to heal.

How do you know if you have gingivitis?
Your dentist can detect signs of gingivitis during your routine checkup and cleaning appointment, but you can maximize your chances of catching it early by keeping an eye out for things such as bleeding gums, swelling, gum recession, chronic bad breath, and more. If you notice them, then schedule a visit with your dentist immediately, even if it isn’t time for your next routine appointment yet.

Find out if you need scaling and root planing
If you have gingivitis, or have an increased risk of it, then scaling and root planing might be the best thing you do for your smile. For more information, schedule a consultation by calling Oxnard Dentistry in Oxnard, CA, today at (805) 604-9999. We also proudly serve patients from in and around Camarillo, Ventura, Thousand Oaks, Moore Park, and all surrounding communities.